Redbelly Water Snake(Nerodia erythrogaster)

Seasons in Walnut Creek: Year-round resident, less active in winter

The Redbelly Water Snake is a snake that is a close resemblance of the Banded Water Snake. While not poisonous, the Redbelly Water Snake is aggressive and will bite. The snakes will typically stay out of the way of humans, but will strike to defend themselves. The name Nerodia erythrogaster comes from four Greek words, Neros, Dia, Erythros and Gaster. Neros means flowing or liquid, Dia means through, Erythros means red, and Gaster means belly.

Key Field Marks:

Reddish brown or grey appearance, dark pattern on back that is often difficult to see

Reddish orange to a yellowish underside

Juveniles are light brown to pink with dark blotches on their backs

Females are larger than males

Key Behaviors:

Carnivorous, preys on amphibians and lizards but will sometimes eat fish

Forages in temporary wetlands where amphibians breed

Spends time basking on logs

Unlike many water snakes the Redbelly water snake flees onto land instead of water

Breeds in spring or fall, the snake will bear up to 50 live young

Habit and Range:

Stays near wetlands, swamps and ponds, but may roam widely

Found in most of the south eastern region of the United States, in the coastal plain of North Carolina to Georgia and across Florida (Coastal Plain)

Walnut Creek Sighting: Found dead along greenway near Peterson Street in April of 2008.